Abstract des Autors

During recent times, the importance placed on strength and conditioning for athletic development has increased to such an extent that it is now recognized as one of the most significant disciplines within the field of sports sciences. Recently there has been an evident rise in profile of strength and conditioning provision for young athletes in a bid to enhance performance and prevent injury. Despite the dramatic rise in popularity of youth training, it is essential that those involved in the development process have the requisite knowledge and expertise to ensure that children and adolescents can improve their physical capacities in a safe and effective manner. Consequently, as editors we deemed it necessary to draw together some of the most well-respected researchers and practitioners in the field to help produce Strength and Conditioning for Young Athletes: Science and Application. Part 1 provides chapters devoted to key underpinning concepts surrounding young athlete development, examining the influence of growth and maturation on physical performance, talent identification and long-term athletic development strategies. These chapters are extremely important for the remaining sections of the textbook and provide a vital grounding in key concepts associated with strength and conditioning provision for paediatric populations. Part 2 is dedicated to the effects of natural development and training on the development of key fitness qualities, including physical literacy, strength, power, agility, speed, mobility and metabolic conditioning. In every chapter the contributing authors have provided an overview of the scientific literature examining the effects of natural growth, maturation and training on the development of specific fitness components, and propose practical guidelines for coaches to consider when prescribing training to develop specific physical qualities. Part 3 offers an insight into key contemporary issues, which are often overlooked within youth strength and conditioning. The section provides expert insights into periodization and nutritional strategies for young athletes, the myths associated with resistance training for this unique population and, importantly, chapters devoted to the prevention of overuse injuries and athlete welfare and well-being.